Hot new Schiit! The $149 tube Vali 2+ headphone amp/preamp

[PHC1]

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac


Schiit makes solid-state and tube headphone amps, but this latest tube model runs just $149, and it's the tubiest sounding one yet!

https://youtu.be/cStzlsIq598

[Formerly YB-2]

Had the Valhalla. Found it totally 'uninvolving'. Same with their power amp (forgotten the name it was so boring). Think I've had enough Schiit to last me..............

[PHC1]

Vali and Valhalla are different models and in different price brackets. The Valhalla is a rather neutral and accurate presentation. I have not heard the Vali but Steve Guttenberg mentioned it was "tubey" and "fun" to listen to.

At $149 one cannot expect too much but if it is "fun" then it is a bargain as it would be unreasonable to expect perfection. I'll take a fun and tubey listen over a sterile and lean budget SS presentation any day.

[80B]

Thanks for sharing Serge - that is a cool little HP amp. For $149, the ability to roll tubes a bit, and to have it on your desktop is a great entry point for the hobby. My son just got a Schiit HP amp and DAC ("Schiit stack" as he calls it) for his Audeze LCD-3 cans, and enjoys it a lot at his desk, an improvement over the Dragonfly DAC, which is no slouch itself.

[PeterMusic]

Yes--the price point is key for Schiit (and Dragonfly). To find a product that is enjoyable for somebody with a high end system at only $149 is awesome. We should not expect "involving" at this price point

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by 80B

Thanks for sharing Serge - that is a cool little HP amp. For $149, the ability to roll tubes a bit, and to have it on your desktop is a great entry point for the hobby. My son just got a Schiit HP amp and DAC ("Schiit stack" as he calls it) for his Audeze LCD-3 cans, and enjoys it a lot at his desk, an improvement over the Dragonfly DAC, which is no slouch itself.

The LCD-3 are great cans. Your son has good taste. Schiit DACs and HP amps offer tremendous value. The music does not care about the price tag, it just flows and moves the listener. We tend to get carried away chasing the last ounce of performance at tremendous expense but in reality even the most affordable gear can move us when it was passionately designed. Schiit is a very passionate company for the budget oriented audiophile/music lover.

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

Yes--the price point is key for Schiit (and Dragonfly). To find a product that is enjoyable for somebody with a high end system at only $149 is awesome. We should not expect "involving" at this price point

I would argue its the combination of price point AND the fact that it's made in the USA.... that's rare, but especially at affordable prices.

[FreddieFerric]

On the other hand, since Schiit apparently likes the big Canton Ref 1 DC's, he does have a least something going for him.

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